State v. Edmonds

*754**412Under Oregon's rules of evidence, hearsay-that is, an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in or by the statement-is generally inadmissible. OEC 802 ("Hearsay is not admissible except as provided in ORS 40.450 to 40.475 or as otherwise provided by law."). That rule reflects a preference for testimony that is given in-court, under oath, and subject to cross-examination. However, the legislature has adopted specific exceptions to the prohibition on hearsay evidence. Any hearsay that is to be admitted must satisfy one of those exceptions. The question…